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Poh Li San and PAP Counters SDP’s Full-Time MP Pitch

 




At a rally held near Sun Plaza on April 28, PAP candidate Poh Li San issued a pointed rebuttal to Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Dr Chee Soon Juan, who is contesting Sembawang West SMC. Dr Chee had pledged to hold regular town halls and become a full-time MP if elected, arguing it would help address residents’ concerns more effectively and shorten waiting times at Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS).

Ms Poh, 50, who is senior vice-president at Changi Airport Group, dismissed these ideas as a misunderstanding of how MPS works. She explained that MPS is meant to be a private, safe space for residents to confide in their MPs—not a public forum or political show. “It is not a town hall for public political theatre,” she said.

She emphasised that while some MPS sessions can run late into the night, they are a critical avenue for personal help. “We don’t leave until we see the last family, the last man or the last woman,” she said. She also noted that she replies to residents’ emails directly to save them the hassle of in-person sessions, and frequently follows up through walkabouts and house visits.

“I am your MP, not just during MPS but every day when you need my help,” she declared.

While acknowledging Dr Chee’s long political journey, Ms Poh questioned the depth of his community involvement. “Yes, he’s passionate,” she said, “but passion alone does not build playgrounds nor support seniors nor comfort a struggling family.”

Ms Poh’s comments came as part of a broader rally showcasing the PAP’s Sembawang GRC team, where candidates spoke about achievements over the past term and reaffirmed their commitment to residents.

Mr Vikram Nair, 46, a lawyer who has chaired the Sembawang Town Council for seven years, shared statistics on local infrastructure upgrades: 154 new sheltered walkways, 44 upgraded parks and fitness corners, and a growth in community gardens from 28 to 60. He also noted that 340 HDB blocks have been repaired and redecorated, while another 47 blocks (3,138 units) benefitted from the Home Improvement Programme.

Ms Mariam Jaafar, 48, a first-term MP and managing director at Boston Consulting Group, said the team has championed diverse causes for students, seniors, job seekers, caregivers, and ex-offenders. She acknowledged residents' worries about the cost of living, housing, and the future for their children. “I’ve heard your stories... your fears about ageing without support,” she said.

The two new PAP faces for Sembawang GRC also shared their motivations. Mr Gabriel Lam, 42, COO of Shalom International Movers, said his belief in second chances was shaped by his father’s redemption journey. “I believe in giving second chances because my father was given one,” he said.

Mr Ng Shi Xuan, 35, a grassroots leader with a decade of experience in MacPherson, said the warm welcome he has received in Canberra made him feel “like a fish in water.” Ng is a director at Powermark Battery and Hardware Trading.

The PAP team in Sembawang GRC includes Ms Poh in Sembawang West SMC and candidates Vikram Nair, Mariam Jaafar, Gabriel Lam, and Ng Shi Xuan in the GRC itself. Dr Chee will be the SDP’s challenger in Sembawang West SMC.

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